Be More Initiative partners with 501(c)(3) nonprofits nationwide to fund workforce development programs for formerly incarcerated individuals — powered by the DOL RESTART grant under WIOA.
Be More Initiative is a Savannah, Georgia-based nonprofit serving as a National/Regional Intermediary under the U.S. Department of Labor's RESTART program. We believe every person released from incarceration deserves a real path to employment, stability, and dignity.
We fund and partner with community nonprofits across the country to deliver job training, certification programs, and employment placement services to individuals re-entering society after incarceration.
As a National Intermediary, we provide sub-grants, technical assistance, and compliance support to qualified 501(c)(3) organizations operating in three or more non-contiguous metro or rural areas.
All programs operate within the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act framework — ensuring accountability, equity, and measurable outcomes for every participant served.
Program Focus Areas
DOL Grant Deadline
April 15, 2026
Sub-grantee applications reviewed on a rolling basis prior to deadline.
The DOL RESTART (Reentry and Stabilization for Returning Adults) program provides grants to intermediary organizations to fund workforce development services for justice-involved individuals.
Adults who have been released from a state or federal correctional facility within the past 5 years, or are expected to be released within 6 months of enrollment.
Career counseling, occupational skills training, on-the-job training, transitional jobs, supportive services (transportation, childcare, housing referrals), and credential attainment.
Be More Initiative acts as the lead grantee and fiscal agent. Sub-grantees receive funding, technical assistance, and compliance guidance from us directly.
Sub-grantees must operate in three or more non-contiguous metropolitan statistical areas or rural counties across different regions.
Key metrics include employment rate at 2nd quarter after exit, median earnings, and credential attainment — aligned with WIOA primary performance indicators.
Sub-grantees submit quarterly performance reports through Be More Initiative. All data entered into DOL's case management system.
To receive a sub-grant from Be More Initiative under the RESTART program, your nonprofit must meet the following IRS and programmatic requirements.
Your organization must hold valid 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS, or have a completed Form 1023/1023-EZ application pending with the IRS. Fiscal sponsorship arrangements are reviewed case-by-case.
Your nonprofit must have a demonstrated mission or program track record serving formerly incarcerated individuals, justice-involved youth or adults, or reentry populations in your community.
Organization must have the operational capacity to deliver at least one WIOA-allowable workforce service: job training, employment placement, career counseling, or on-the-job training arrangements.
Prior experience administering WIOA, TANF, CDBG, or other federal workforce or reentry grants significantly strengthens your application and demonstrates compliance capacity.
Existing relationships with local employers willing to hire program participants are a significant competitive advantage and should be documented in your application.
Familiarity with workforce case management systems (e.g., ETO, Apricot, or state WIOA systems) and capacity to track WIOA performance outcomes per participant.
IRS 501(c)(3) Note: Organizations with a pending Form 1023-EZ may still apply. The IRS typically processes 1023-EZ applications within 2–4 weeks. You may submit a sub-grantee application while your determination letter is pending — approval of your sub-grant is contingent upon IRS confirmation prior to contract execution. The RESTART grant does not require finalized 501(c)(3) status at the time of application.
Complete the form below to begin your sub-grantee application. All fields marked with an asterisk are required. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis through April 10, 2026.
By submitting this form, you certify that all information provided is accurate and complete to the best of your knowledge. Applications are reviewed by Be More Initiative's grants team within 10 business days. Submitting an application does not guarantee a sub-grant award.
Have questions about the RESTART program, sub-grantee requirements, or the application process? We've answered the most common ones below.
No. You may apply with a pending IRS determination. If your Form 1023-EZ has been submitted and is awaiting processing, you can still complete the sub-grantee application. However, the 501(c)(3) must be confirmed before a sub-grant agreement is executed.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through April 10, 2026. We strongly encourage submitting early — the DOL RESTART grant deadline is April 15, 2026, and Be More Initiative must finalize all sub-grantee partnerships before that date.
Non-contiguous means your three or more service areas must be geographically separate — not bordering the same city or metro area. For example, serving Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Charlotte would qualify. Serving just three neighborhoods in one city would not.
Yes. There is no minimum budget requirement. What matters most is your organization's capacity to deliver workforce services, track outcomes, and meet reporting requirements. Be More Initiative provides technical assistance to all sub-grantees to support compliance.
For-profit organizations, government agencies, and faith-based organizations that cannot separate religious activities from funded services are generally not eligible. Organizations exclusively serving youth under 18 must demonstrate capacity to serve adult populations as well.
Sub-grant amounts are determined based on geographic scope, proposed participant numbers, and budget feasibility. Be More Initiative will discuss funding ranges with qualified applicants during the review process. Individual sub-grants typically range from $50,000 to $500,000+ depending on program scale.
Core WIOA metrics include: employment rate at 2nd quarter after exit, employment rate at 4th quarter after exit, median earnings, credential attainment rate, and measurable skills gain. Be More Initiative provides data collection templates and training to all sub-grantees.
It is strongly preferred. However, organizations with deep workforce development experience and a credible plan to serve reentry populations will be considered. Your application narrative is critical — explain specifically how you will reach and serve formerly incarcerated individuals.
Have questions about the application or want to discuss your organization's eligibility before applying? Reach out to our grants team directly.
Savannah, Georgia
United States
Rolling through April 10, 2026